Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1887-12-15
TALE OF THE ROSABEL.

It was very annoying to find myself
standing face to face with Royal Storm as
the passengers of the Rosabel came on
deck to get parting view of the city in
the soft December evening. There was
no help for it. The boat had slipped
from the dock at the foot of Canal street
and was half way along the crescent
shaped bank to Carrollton when we met.
He gave a look of as great surprise as
mine, bowed slightly for the first time In
his life and passed down the deck.
I had almost made up my mind that
the situation could be gracefully endured,
when the captain assigned our place at
the table, and we two were again brought
Wis a Wis for an eight-day journey. Yet
neither was willing to ask for change
nor to give reason for wishing one.
AS our fellow passengers lapsed into
friendly chat and began to court our con-
versation it grew worse and worse. For
instance, Mrs. Farnham, the large lady
who seemed to take US all in charge, re-
marks: "Miss Castle, didn't you say that
your home is in Florida?'
I answer ''yes."
'sWhy isn't that where you live also,
Mr.. Storm?"
Royal answers gravely, Eyes, live
there also"
"Ah, see. You are chaperoning your
little friend for this long journey. sus-
pected as much, for all you are SO shy
about it. But you are quite right to be so
prudent, my DEAR" and she looks
roguishly at me, while my face grows hot,
and Royal looked sorely perplexed.
We do not speak, we cannot, the gospel
of eternal hate was born in US, and nur-
tured with our early lessons.
There was never yet Castle who did
not Ioathe the name of Storm, since that
long time ago when our grandfathers, or
still remoter ancestors, INDUCED IN a
fatal quarrel, and left the dark Inherit
ance of a feud to their descendants. And
both families had 6windled to few rapre-
sentatives, yet, through all our school
days together, and our chance meetings In
society and church, Royal and had pre-
served the ancient antagonism. But here,
l knew not how TO be loyal to the family
tradition We were going on the same
iourney-he to attend medical college, l
to celebrated physician for treatment
for the spinal trouble which threatened
soon to make me entirely helpless.
We both joined in the general converse
ton at table so that it was not noticed
that we never spoke directly to each other,
though we could not resist the temptation
of an occasional sideways sarcasm at each
others expense.
Ny acquaintances were limited to few
ladies and their husbands, for | was very
shy unon the first fight from my secluded
home, and young girl who cannot
dance, fiirt nor promenade on the moonllt
guards is not apt to be belle.
One morning everybody had gone on
deck to see some town that we were pass
ing, and l was left alone in the deserted
salon, when Royal walked slowly down
the length OF the room, then turned and
came back to the couch where lay and
bowed stifflv. 81 hope, Miss Castle, that
you know how strong q claim upon me
your illness and loneliness give you. You
must not hesitate to call upon me for any
service. Can do anything for you now?"
"Nothing, thank you," answer, taken
by surprise. 'Oh, yes, | should like a
drink of water. Thanks"
am touched by this show of chivalry
from my adversary, and recognize that he
is true gentleman, anyhow. After this
he comes to me regularly and executes my
small commissions, although we still Go
not speak at table or exchange Hnneces-
sary words. TIL. fourth day passes, that
last day which evely passenger upon the
Inflated Rosabel must now remember with
keenest interest, and all retire to their
staterooms as usual. 1t is considerably
past midnight when the shock of the col
lision almost filings us from our berths,
and the widest confusion ensues. After
the first wondering thought, realize that
some terrible calamity has occurred, and
soon the terrified shrieks of my fellow
passengers tell in incohereLt words that
the boat is doomed. [ scream wildly,
once or twice; then, as my voice returns
from the narrow walls of the stateroom,
know that it is useless. | cannot help
myself. I could not walk the length of
the boat without assistance.
The stewardess, whose care had hired,
and the friends who had volunteered at
tentiops would not think of me now. /
sink into the calm of utter despair. have
not even turned in my, berth. The last few
weeks have made me familiar with the
thought of death, but not such death as
this. All, if I could only drown. How
dreaded the cruel flames, and I could
smell them already! Might not merci-
fully be spared such agony as | had read
Off Then, in the hope of drowning and
being found, 1 began, with weak, uncer-
tain hands, to dress myself, and was soon
arrayed in my travelling suit. As did
SO the shrieks and groans grew louder,
the hurrying feet more desperate. Some
thing struck my door, and then surely
my name mingles in the general confu-
sion. 'sMiss Castle! Byrd! For heavens
sake open the door! The boat is on fire;
Quick! Are you awaken
aTake care of yourself Mr.. Storm;
never mind mel" I answered with keen
sense of heroism equal to his.
eff you are speaking can't hear you.
In one second l will break in the door,"
ST am not ready!n I shrek.